Laundry Detergent

I decided to try making my own Laundry Detergent. There are a couple different ways to make it but I tried this one from Homemade Mamas first because it made a smaller batch. It cost about 1 cent per load!! Your average cost for store bought laundry detergent is 30 cents per load.

What you need:
1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha or 1 bar of Ivory soap, grated
½ cup washing soda (found in the laundry aisle in most stores - Arm & Hammer makes it)
½ cup borax powder (also in the laundry aisle - look for "20 Mule Team" brand)


~You will also need a small bucket, about 2 gallon size~


Put the grated soap in a sauce pan. Add 6 cups water and heat it until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel. You use ½ cup per load. I am planning on putting mine in an old detergent container so it is easier to pour.

This soap does not foam, so don't be surprised when you first use it. Also, it really has no scent so if you'd like a stronger-smelling laundry soap just add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil



I used it on a load yesterday and I was very impressed! The towels came out smelling clean and fresh!

Next time I will make the Duggar recipe that makes 10 gallons of detergent and is less than 1 cent per load!!!